Suspension training system foot stirrup

ABSTRACT

A suspension training system foot stirrup includes a load strap formed into a closed loop and configured to couple at its upper end to a suspension exercise system and a sole strap coupled to opposite sides of the loop that forms the load strap, thereby forming a foot receiving opening comprising the sole strap, and a portion of the load strap between the points where the sole strap couples to the load strap and a lower end of the load strap. The foot receiving opening receives a human foot inserted toe-first therein such that the sole is in contact with the sole strap and the load strap portion encloses an upper portion of the foot, and receives the human foot inserted heel-first therein such that the sole comes in contract with the sole strap, and the load strap portion encloses the achilles tendon region of the heel.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION Field of the Invention

The present invention relates to exercise equipment. More particularly, the present invention relates to suspension training systems used as exercise equipment and components thereof.

Background Art

Some conventional resistance training systems rely on a user's bodyweight to supply the main force of resistance via the user suspending from a strap, cable or cord. Such systems are generally referred to as suspension training systems. The user of such a such a system is typically partially suspended by the hands or feet from the strap, cable or cord. For example, a strap or cable may be threaded through a pulley suspended from a height, and handles may be coupled to the ends of the strap or cable. Thereafter, a user may, for example, place their feet on the ground while grasping the handles and place part of their body weight on the handles. Conventional handles or cradles are generally adapted primarily for use with the hands. Some conventional handles are capable of being used with a user's feet instead of hands. However, such handles or cradles present challenges in terms of ergonomics, ease of use and manufacturability.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Foot stirrups for use with suspension training systems and devices (including locking rotational suspension training systems) are described herein that allow users with widely different foot sizes and/or different footwear sizes or types to securely couple their feet to a suspension training system in both toe up and toe down positions. In one aspect, a suspension training foot stirrup includes a primary or load strap formed into a closed loop and configured to couple at its upper end to a suspension exercise system. A sole or foot strap is coupled to opposite sides of the loop that forms the load strap. In an aspect, the aforementioned coupling of the sole strap to the load strap forms a foot receiving opening that is comprised of the sole strap and a portion of the load strap that is between the points where the sole strap couples to the load strap and a lower end of the load strap (i.e., the end of the load strap opposite the end configured to couple to the suspension exercise system). Thus formed, the foot receiving opening is configured to receive a human foot inserted toe-first therein such that a sole of the foot is in contact with the sole strap, and the load strap portion of the foot receiving opening encloses an upper or instep portion of the foot. The foot receiving opening is likewise configured to receive a human foot inserted heel-first therein such that the sole of the foot comes in contract with the sole strap, and the load strap portion of the foot receiving opening encloses an achilles tendon region of a heel of the foot.

In a further aspect, the sole strap is movably coupled to the load strap such that the sole strap may be repositioned to accommodate different foot sizes and/or different footwear sizes and types. In another aspect, the sole strap may be removably coupled to the load strap thereby enabling the sole strap to be detached. In a further aspect, at least portions of at least one of the load strap or the sole strap may include a grip enhancement material and/or a compliant padding material. In another aspect, the sole strap may comprise a flexible material deformable to substantially conform to a shape of opposing sides and a bottom of the human foot.

In another aspect, the load strap may be formed to include a coupling loop at its upper end by simultaneously forming the loop that comprises the load strap and the coupling loop by coupling opposing ends of a length of non-rigid material together with an opposite side of the closed loop that forms the load strap. In a further aspect, the non-rigid material may comprise a length of nylon webbing, and the ends of the webbing may be coupled to one another and to the opposite side of the load strap by applying a bar tack stitch simultaneously through each.

These and other objects, advantages and features will become readily apparent in view of the following detailed description of the invention. Note that the Summary and Abstract sections may set forth one or more, but not all exemplary embodiments of the present invention as contemplated by the inventor(s).

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS/FIGURES

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated herein and form a part of the specification, illustrate the present invention and, together with the description, further serve to explain the principles of the invention and to enable a person skilled in the pertinent art to make and use the invention.

FIG. 1 shows a view of a combination handle and foot cradle according to the prior art for use with a suspension exercise system.

FIG. 2 shows a view of the combination handle and foot cradle according to the prior art shown in FIG. 1 with a human foot inserted toe-first therein.

FIG. 3 shows an example suspension exercise system including a locking rotational device, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 4 shows a side view of the locking rotational device of FIG. 3 in an unlocked mode.

FIG. 5 depicts a view of foot stirrup for use in a suspension exercise system, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 6 depicts the suspension exercise system of FIG. 3 being used with foot stirrups in a toe-down orientation, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 7 shows a close-up view of the foot stirrup of FIG. 6 being used in a toe-down orientation, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 8 depicts the suspension exercise system of FIG. 3 being used with foot stirrups in a toe-up orientation, according to an embodiment.

FIG. 9 shows a close-up view of the foot stirrup of FIG. 8 being used in a toe-up position, according to an embodiment.

The present invention will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the drawings, like reference numbers indicate identical or functionally similar elements. Additionally, the left-most digit(s) of a reference number identifies the drawing in which the reference number first appears.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION Introduction

The present specification discloses one or more embodiments that incorporate the features of the invention. The disclosed embodiment(s) merely exemplify the invention. The scope of the invention is not limited to the disclosed embodiment(s). The invention is defined by the claims appended hereto.

References in the specification to “one embodiment,” “an embodiment,” “an example embodiment,” etc., indicate that the embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure, or characteristic, but every embodiment may not necessarily include the particular feature, structure, or characteristic. Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same embodiment. Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to effect such feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other embodiments whether or not explicitly described.

In the discussion, unless otherwise stated, adjectives such as “substantially,” “approximately,” and “about” modifying a condition or relationship characteristic of a feature or features of an embodiment of the disclosure are understood to mean that the condition or characteristic is defined to be within tolerances that are acceptable for operation of the embodiment for an application for which it is intended.

Furthermore, it should be understood that spatial descriptions (e.g., “above,” “below,” “up,” “left,” “right,” “down,” “top,” “bottom,” “vertical,” “horizontal,” etc.) used herein are for purposes of illustration only, and that practical implementations of the structures described herein can be spatially arranged in any orientation or manner.

Still further, it should be noted that the drawings/figures are not drawn to scale unless otherwise noted herein.

Numerous exemplary embodiments are now described. Any section/subsection headings provided herein are not intended to be limiting. Embodiments are described throughout this document, and any type of embodiment may be included under any section/subsection. Furthermore, it is contemplated that the disclosed embodiments may be combined with each other in any manner. That is, the embodiments described herein are not mutually exclusive of each other and may be practiced and/or implemented alone, or in any combination.

Example Embodiments

The example embodiments described herein are provided for illustrative purposes only, and are not limiting. The examples described herein may be adapted to any type of suspension training system including a locking rotational suspension training system or locking rotational device. For example, embodiments may be adapted to the locking rotational suspension training system as described in U.S. Pat. No. 9,914,008, issued Mar. 13, 2018 and entitled “Locking Rotational Suspension Training System”, the entirety of which is incorporated by reference herein. Further structural and operational embodiments, including modifications/alterations, will become apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) from the teachings herein.

A foot stirrup for a suspension training system according to various embodiments will now be described. First, an example foot cradle according to the prior art, and usage thereof is described. Next, a locking rotational suspension system, including a locking rotational device, suitable for use with embodiments is described. Thereafter, exemplary use of embodiments, including toe-up and toe-down insertion of the foot into embodiments, is described. Next, a detailed description of an example foot stirrup, according one embodiment, is described. Finally, closeup views of toe-up and toe-down usage of a foot stirrup embodiment are described.

FIG. 1 shows a view 100 of a combination handle/foot cradle 102 according to the prior art for use with a suspension exercise system. Combination handle/foot cradle 102 includes an attachment strap 104, a handle 106, a handle attachment loop 108 and a heel/toe loop 110. Combination handle/foot cradle 102 will be further described in conjunction with FIG. 3 which depicts an example suspension exercise system 300 including a locking rotational device. Suspension exercise system 300 includes a locking rotational device 302, a strap 304 and handles 306 a and 306 b. Suspension exercise system 300 is depicted being used by a user 308. Other structural and operational embodiments will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the following discussion regarding combination handle/foot cradle 102 as depicted in FIG. 1 .

User 308 of FIG. 3 is depicted as performing a suspension training exercise. Handles 306 a and 306 b are coupled to opposing ends of strap 304, and strap 304 is threaded through locking rotational device 302. A general overview of the operation of locking rotational device 302 will now be provided with reference to FIG. 4 . FIG. 4 shows a side view 400 of locking rotational device 302 of FIG. 3 in an unlocked mode. Locking rotational device 302 as shown in FIG. 4 includes an attachment point 402, a wheel bracket 404, a wheel 406 and a set of jaw components 408. Other structural and operational embodiments will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the following discussion regarding locking rotational device 302 as shown in FIG. 4 .

Locking rotational device 302 may be suspended from any apparatus or structure that is both high enough for the users to perform the required suspension training exercises, and strong enough to support the weight of the user safely. For example, locking rotational device 302 may be secured at attachment point 402 to a steel frame, a building girder, an eyebolt sunk into suitably strong material (e.g., a wood beam or masonry), or the like. Prior to such suspension, strap 304 is threaded through wheel bracket 404 such that strap 304 engages with wheel 406. Thereafter, handles such as handles 306 a or 306 b, or foot stirrups according to the embodiments disclosed herein may be coupled to opposing ends of strap 304 at which point suspension exercise system 300 is fully assembled and ready to use.

Locking rotational device 302 may be configured to operate in two modes. In a first mode (unlocked mode), and with continued reference to FIG. 3 , locking rotational device 302 may be unlocked such that wheel 406 is free to rotate within wheel bracket 404 and thereby act as a pulley for strap 304 which has been threaded around wheel 406. In a second mode (locked mode), locking rotational device 302 may be locked such that strap 304 is held in a fixed position. More specifically, jaw components 408 of locking rotational device 302 as shown in FIG. 4 may be configured to clamp down onto the combination of wheel 406 and, for example, strap 304 such that wheel 406 is locked and unable to rotate, and such that strap 304 is clamped with sufficient force to prevent its movement through or over wheel 406 despite the fact that wheel 406 cannot rotate.

Locking rotational device 302 as depicted in FIG. 3 is configured to operate in the first mode. User 308 performs the depicted suspension training exercise by first grasping handles 306 a and 306 b in each hand, and suspending his upper body off the ground while maintaining foot contact with the ground beneath. User 308 may then pull down on handle 306 a causing it to move downward toward the ground, while simultaneously permitting handle 306 b to move upward in response to strap 304 being pulled through locking rotational device 302. The torso of user 308 is caused thereby to rotate toward the left side of user 308 and towards the ground. User 308 may then alternate pulling down with each hand thereby performing repetitions of the suspension training exercise.

Returning now to the description of combination handle/foot cradle 102 of FIG. 1 , combination handle/foot cradle 102 is a prior art handle suitable for use with a suspension exercise system such as, for example, suspension exercise system 300. For example, attachment strap 104 may be coupled to strap 304 and user 308 may thereafter grasp handle 106 in the manner depicted in FIG. 3 . Combination handle/foot cradle 102 may also be used for foot-based suspension training exercises. For such exercises, the feet of a user (e.g., user 308) are each placed in heel/toe loop 110 of combination handle/foot cradle 102, and the user places either their body or hands on the ground thereby suspending the user by the feet. Such a use of combination handle/foot cradle 102 is not, however, without problems.

For example, consider FIG. 2 which shows a view 200 of the prior art combination handle/foot cradle 102 of FIG. 1 with a human foot 202 inserted toe-down (or toe-first) therein. In particular, the toe of human foot 202 is inserted into toe loop 104 with the ball of human foot 202 resting upon handle 106. The small size of handle attachment loop 108 and heel/toe loop 110 create a couple of significant issues. First, since only the toe of the human foot can fit into heel/toe loop 110, a user ends up with their weight being placed on a very small area at the tip of the foot. Maintaining control over ones body and keeping the feet within heel/toe loop 110 can be quite challenging. Moreover, the heel of human foot 202 and attachment strap 104 as depicted in FIG. 2 interfere with one another. Indeed, it can be difficult or impossible to perform certain suspension exercises with combination handle/foot cradle 102 due to such interference. The lack of adjustability of heel/toe loop 110 also creates additional problems for users with very small or very large feet.

These problems are equally applicable to a toe-up configuration (not shown) wherein the heel of, for example, human foot 202 is inserted into heel/toe loop 110. In particular, since heel/toe loop 110 is so small, only a small portion of the heel can fit inside heel/toe loop 110 and it can be very challenging for a user to keep ones feet in heel/toe loop 110 over certain angles. Likewise, handle 106 ends up being positioned very close to the edge of the heel which can cause instability for certain types of exercises.

Solutions to these issues are provided by embodiments described herein. For example, consider FIG. 5 which depicts a view 500 of a foot stirrup 516 for use in a suspension exercise system, according to an embodiment. Foot stirrup 516 includes an upper end 502, a lower end 506, a load strap 504, a sole strap 508 and a stitching region 514. Other structural and operational embodiments will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the following discussion regarding foot stirrup 516 as shown in FIG. 5 .

In an embodiment, load strap 504 of foot stirrup 516 may be formed from a length of flexible material strong enough to support the body weight of a user. For example, such material may comprise nylon webbing, rope, cordage, braiding, twine, cable or other flexible material of suitable strength. Although embodiments herein are described with reference to “straps” (e.g., load strap 504 or sole strap 508), such components need not literally be straps. That is, although embodiments may be formed partially or wholly from flat nylon webbing and thus substantially conform to an ordinary definition of “strap,” no such limitation should be imported to the claims or otherwise inferred. Instead, embodiments may use rope or other materials, and it should be understood that the term “strap” as used in this written description and the claims are equally applicable to such embodiments.

For the purposes of describing FIG. 5 , however, we will assume that load strap 504 of foot stirrup 516 is formed from a suitable length of flat nylon webbing that is formed into an elongate loop including upper end 502 and lower end 506. In an embodiment, the loop is formed by coupling the ends of the nylon webbing together. Such coupling may be accomplished by any means suitable for ensuring that the ends remain connected even under the weight and strain of a user performing suspension exercises. For example, foot stirrup 516 of FIG. 5 is depicted to include stitching region 514 which comprises the region where the ends of the length of webbing that comprises load strap 504 are stitched together. In an embodiment, coupling loop 510 may be formed at the upper end 502 of foot stirrup 516 by sewing the ends of the webbing together at stitching region 514 while simultaneously sewing together both sides of the loop that forms load strap 504. Coupling loop 510 at the upper end 502 of load strap 504 serves as a coupling point between foot stirrup 516 and, for example, strap 304. For example, strap 304 may couple to foot stirrup 516 at coupling loop 510 using a carabiner or other type of coupler.

Although these embodiments are described in terms of stitching and sewing together of component parts, it should be understood that other means of forming a loop from a length of material are possible. For example, fasteners such as nuts, bolts, screws, rivets, contact cement, tri-glides or even velcro may be used instead. Likewise, load strap 504 may be formed from a conventional cam strap.

Sole strap 508 is coupled between the sides of load strap 504 such that an opening is formed between sole strap 508 and lower end 506 of load strap 504. More specifically, foot receiving opening 512 is the open region generally bounded by the portion of load strap 504 that is between sole strap 508 and lower end 506. In an embodiment, sole strap 508 may be comprised of substantially the same material as that of load strap 504 (e.g., flat nylon webbing). However, this need not be the case and sole strap 508 may be formed of other materials. For example, sole strap 508 may be composed of a semi-rigid though flexible material (e.g., thick rubber) that allows sole strap 508 to deform to substantially conform to the shape of the foot (and footwear attendant thereto). Alternative embodiments of sole strap 508 may comprise, for example, a material formed from a moldable material to substantially conform to the shape of the arch of the human foot. For example, a suitable plastic or other material may be molded or fabricated into an arch cup upon which a bare human foot may be placed. Such a cup molded in the shape of the human foot would enhance comfort of users that wish to exercise in bare or stocking feet.

In an embodiment, sole strap 508 may be movably attached to load strap 504 such that a user such as user 308 may slide sole strap 508 up and down load strap 504. For example, each end of sole strap 508 may be formed into a loop suitably dimensioned to allow load strap 504 to be threaded through the loop. Alternatively, sole strap 508 may be coupled to load strap 504 at variable locations along the sides of load strap 504 by various coupling methods. For example, the ends of sole strap 508 may comprise hook and loop material and the complimentary material may be fixed to suitable locations on load strap 504 such that sole strap 508 may be coupled to load strap 504 at some point or points along the sides of load strap 504. Such coupling methods have the advantage of permitting sole strap 508 to be removed from load strap 504 altogether thereby permitting, for example, sole strap 508 to be washed or replaced (e.g., due to wear). Likewise, detachable coupling of sole strap 508 to load strap 504 also permits the length of sole strap 508 to be adjusted which may be advantageous from a comfort perspective particularly when used with very wide or very narrow foot sizes. In every case, such movable attachment of sole strap 508 to load strap 504 allows users to vary the size of foot receiving opening 512 to accommodate different foot sizes, different types of footwear, or bare feet (i.e., feet not wearing footwear).

In embodiments, one or both of sole strap 508 and the portion of load strap 504 that bounds foot receiving opening 512 may be augmented to include additional materials incorporated into or deposited thereon. For example, sole strap 508 and/or load strap 504 may be augmented to include grip enhancing materials on the surfaces of such straps that engage with a users foot. For example, rubber material having a high tack may be bonded to sole strap 508 and/or load strap 504 in the foot receiving opening 512 to enhance the grip between such straps and a user's foot.

Likewise, embodiments permit other materials to be incorporated into or onto sole strap 508 and/or load strap 504 for enhancing comfort. For example, a compliant padding material may be incorporated into or onto the portions of sole strap 508 and/or the portion of load strap 504 that comprise foot receiving opening 512. Having described embodiments of foot stirrup 516, exemplary uses thereof with suspension exercise system 300 of FIG. 3 will now be described.

FIG. 6 depicts a view 600 of suspension exercise system 300 of FIG. 3 being used with foot stirrup 516 of FIG. 5 in a toe-down orientation, according to an embodiment. View 600 includes user 308, locking rotational device 302, strap 304, carabiner(s) 602 and foot stirrups 516. Other structural and operational embodiments will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the following discussion regarding the use of suspension exercise system 300 as depicted in view 600 of FIG. 6 .

Suspension exercise system 300 as depicted in FIG. 6 is configured to use foot stirrup(s) 516 instead of handles 306 a and 306 b as shown in FIG. 3 . Each foot stirrup 516 of FIG. 6 is coupled via coupling loop 510 to a corresponding end of strap 304 via respective carabiner(s) 602. Strap 304 is threaded through locking rotational device 302 as described in detail herein above. User 308 is depicted in FIG. 6 as using suspension exercise system 300 in a toe-down position. That is, user 308 has placed each foot into a respective foot stirrup 516 by inserting the toe of the foot into foot stirrup 516 such that the toes point toward the ground while user 308 suspends the rest of his weight on his hands on the floor. Thereafter, user 308 may use his legs to pull up and down on strap 304 alternating on each side. A more detailed description of how the feet of user 308 interface with foot stirrup 516 will now be provided.

FIG. 7 shows a close-up view 700 of foot stirrup 516 of FIG. 6 being used in a toe-down position, according to an embodiment. View 700 includes strap 304, carabiner 602 and an instance of foot stirrup 516. Foot stirrup 516 of view 700 includes coupling loop 510, load strap 504 and sole strap 508. Other structural and operational embodiments will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the following discussion close-up view 700 of FIG. 7 .

Foot stirrup 516 of FIG. 7 is depicted with load strap 504 and sole strap 508 patterned with vertical and horizontal lines, respectively, to clarify their relationship with one another. With reference to FIG. 6 , user 308 inserts his foot into foot stirrup 516 in a toe down position by inserting the toe of his foot into foot receiving opening 512 (not labeled in FIG. 7 ). As described above, foot receiving opening 512 is the opening formed and bounded by sole strap 508 and the portion of load strap 504 between sole strap 508 and lower end 506. Inserted thusly into foot receiving opening 512, the sole of the foot (or the sole of the footwear being worn thereon) of user 308 is in contact with and is cradled by sole strap 508. Foot receiving opening 512 may then be adjusted such that load strap 504 is suitably tight across the instep of the foot. As described above, such adjustment may be accomplished by sliding sole strap 508 further up or down on load strap 504, in an embodiment. In an embodiment, the portion of load strap 504 that is above the instep is sized large enough so that the heel of the foot may pass back and forth through the opening above the foot receiving opening 512, thereby allowing the foot to take on a large range of angles without interference with load strap 504. Moreover, since the foot is deeply inserted into foot receiving opening 512, forces exerted on foot stirrup 516 by the user may be larger, and come from a wider array of angles, than that of the prior art combination handle/foot cradle 102 of FIG. 1 . Foot stirrup 516 of FIG. 5 may also be used in a toe-up position.

Consider, for example, FIG. 8 which depicts a view 800 of suspension exercise system 300 of FIG. 3 being used with foot stirrups 516 in a toe-up orientation, according to an embodiment. View 800 includes user 308, locking rotational device 302, strap 304, carabiner(s) 602 and foot stirrups 516. Other structural and operational embodiments will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the following discussion regarding the use of suspension exercise system 300 as depicted in view 800 of FIG. 8 .

Just as with view 600 of FIG. 6 , suspension exercise system 300 as depicted in FIG. 8 is configured to use foot stirrup(s) 516 instead of handles 306 a and 306 b as shown in FIG. 3 . Likewise, each foot stirrup 516 of FIG. 8 is coupled via coupling loop 510 to strap 304 via respective carabiner(s) 602. Strap 304 is threaded through locking rotational device 302 as described in detail herein above. User 308 is depicted in FIG. 8 as using suspension exercise system 300 in a toe-up position. User 308 accomplishes such a toe-up position by inserted the heel of each foot, rather than the toe, into respective foot stirrup 516. In this configuration, the toes of user 308 point upward, and user 308 places the balance of his unsuspended weight on the floor by laying on his back. Thereafter, user 308 may use the legs to pull up and down on strap 304 alternating on each side, or make a pedaling motion with strap 304 remaining relatively still. A more detailed description of how the feet of user 308 interface with foot stirrup 516 in a toe-up position is provided herein below in conjunction with FIG. 9 .

FIG. 9 shows a close-up view 900 of foot stirrup 516 of FIG. 8 being used in a toe-up position, according to an embodiment. View 700 includes strap 304, carabiner 602 and an instance of foot stirrup 516. Foot stirrup 516 of view 900 includes coupling loop 510, load strap 504, sole strap 508, foot receiving opening 512 and stitching region 514. Stitching region 514 includes bar tack stitch(s) 902. Other structural and operational embodiments will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art(s) based on the following discussion close-up view 900 of FIG. 9 .

Foot stirrup 516 of FIG. 9 is depicted with load strap 504 and sole strap 508 patterned with vertical and horizontal lines, respectively, to clarify their relationship with one another. With reference to FIG. 8 , user 308 inserts his foot into foot stirrup 516 in a toe-up position by inserting the heel of his foot into foot receiving opening 512. As described above, foot receiving opening 512 is the opening formed and bounded by sole strap 508 and the portion of load strap 504 between sole strap 508 and lower end 506. Inserted thusly into foot receiving opening 512, the sole of the foot (or the sole of the footwear being worn thereon) of user 308 is in contact with is cradled by sole strap 508. Foot receiving opening 512 may then be adjusted such that load strap 504 is suitably tight across the back of the heel of the foot generally in the region of the achilles tendon region of the heel of the foot. As described above, such adjustment may be accomplished by sliding sole strap 508 further up or down on load strap 504, in an embodiment. In an embodiment, the portion of load strap 504 that is around the heel is sized large enough so that the toe of the foot may pass back and forth through the opening above the foot receiving opening 512, thereby allowing the foot to take on a large range of angles without interference with load strap 504. Moreover, since the heel of the foot is deeply inserted into foot receiving opening 512, forces exerted on foot stirrup 516 by the user may be larger, and come from a wider array of angles, than that of the prior art combination handle/foot cradle 102 of FIG. 1 .

View 900 also depicts a side view of stitching region 514 which, in an embodiment, is formed by stitching the ends of a length of material that forms the foot stirrup 516 to one another while also stitching each side of load strap 504 to one another thereby also forming coupling loop 510. The stitches of stitching region 514 may comprise, in an embodiment, bar tack stitches 902. Of course, other types of stitches are possible in other embodiments, such as but not limited to box stitches and pattern stitches.

In certain embodiments of foot stirrup 516, the width of the strap used to form load strap 504 and coupling loop 510 is in a range of approximately ¾ inches to approximately 2 inches, and in one particular embodiment of foot stirrup 516, the width of the strap used to form load strap 504 and coupling loop 510 is approximately 1½inches. Of course, these are only examples, and are by no means limiting.

In certain embodiments of foot stirrup 516, the full length of the strap used to form load strap 504 and coupling loop 510 is in a range of approximately 20 inches to approximately 40 inches, and in one particular embodiment of foot stirrup 516, the full length of the strap used to form load strap 504 and coupling loop 510 is approximatley 34½ inches. In further accordance with such an embodiment, the length of the overlap between the opposing ends of the strap that forms stitching region 514 may be approximately 1 inch, and 3 bar tack stitches may be formed in stitching region 514. In still further accordance with such an embodiment, coupling loop 510 may form a 1 inch loop approximately when flattened. Of course, these are only examples, and are by no means limiting.

In certain embodiments of foot stirrup 516, the width of the strap used to form sole strap 508 is in a range of approximately ¾ inches to approximately 2 inches, and in one particular embodiment of foot stirrup 516, the width of the strap used to form sole strap 508 is approximately 1½ inches. Of course, these are only examples, and are by no means limiting.

In certain embodiments of foot stirrup 516, the length of the strap used to form sole strap 508 is in a range of approximately 8 inches to approximately 18 inches, and in one particular embodiment, the length of the strap used to form sole strap 508 is approximately 14 inches. In further accordance with such an embodiment, each end of the strap used to form sole strap 508 may be folded around an outside of load strap 504 to form a 2 inch overlap and a single bar stitch may formed through the overlap, thereby creating a loop through which load strap 504 is threaded. Of course, these are only examples, and are by no means limiting.

CONCLUSION

While various embodiments of the present invention have been described above, it should be understood that they have been presented by way of example only, and not limitation. It will be apparent to persons skilled in the relevant art that various changes in form and detail can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. Thus, the breadth and scope of the present invention should not be limited by any of the above-described exemplary embodiments, but should be defined only in accordance with the following claims and their equivalents. 

1. A suspension exercise foot stirrup comprising: a non-rigid load strap forming a closed loop having an upper end and a lower end, said upper end configured to couple to a suspension exercise apparatus; and a sole strap including first and second ends, each end coupled to the load strap at respective coupling points on opposite sides of the closed loop that comprises the load strap thereby forming a foot receiver opening comprising the sole strap and a load strap portion comprising the portion of the load strap between the coupling points and the lower end of the load strap, said foot receiver opening configured to: receive a human foot inserted toe-first therein such that a sole of the foot comes in contact with the sole strap, and the load strap portion of the foot receiver opening encloses an upper portion of the foot; and receive the human foot inserted heel-first therein such that the sole of the foot comes in contact with the sole strap, and the load strap portion of the foot receiver opening encloses an achilles tendon region of a heel of the foot.
 2. The suspension exercise foot stirrup of claim 1, wherein each of the first and second ends of the sole strap forms a closed loop including the load strap disposed therein whereby the sole strap is moveably coupled to the load strap enabling the sole strap to slide along the load strap to vary the size of the foot receiver opening.
 3. The suspension exercise foot stirrup of claim 2, wherein the closed loop at each of the first and second ends of the sole strap is configurable to open or close thereby enabling the sole strap to be detached from the load strap.
 4. The suspension exercise foot stirrup of claim 1, wherein a length of the sole strap is adjustable.
 5. The suspension exercise foot stirrup of claim 1, wherein at least one of the load strap and the sole strap includes a grip material disposed thereon to increase friction between the stirrup and the human foot disposed therein.
 6. The suspension exercise foot stirrup of claim 1, wherein the portions of the load strap and the sole strap that form the foot receiver opening further include a compliant padding material positioned to come in contact with the human foot when inserted into the foot receiver opening.
 7. The suspension exercise foot stirrup of claim 1, wherein the sole strap is comprised of a flexible material deformable to substantially conform to a shape of opposing sides and a bottom of the human foot.
 8. The suspension exercise foot stirrup of claim 1, wherein the sole strap further comprises an arch cup molded from a material to substantially conform to a shape of an arch of the human foot.
 9. The suspension exercise foot stirrup of claim 1, wherein the load strap is formed from a length of non-rigid material having a first and a second end, and wherein the upper end of the load strap includes a coupling loop configured to couple to the suspension exercise apparatus, said coupling loop formed by coupling the first and second ends of the load strap to one another and to an opposite side of the load strap thereby simultaneously forming the coupling loop and the closed loop that comprises the load strap.
 10. The suspension exercise foot stirrup of claim 9 wherein the non-rigid material comprises nylon webbing, and the first and second ends of the nylon webbing are coupled to one another and to the opposite side of the load strap by applying a bar tack stitch simultaneously through each.
 11. A suspension training system comprising: a rotational device comprising: a wheel bracket configured to be suspended from a height; and a wheel disposed within said wheel bracket; a primary strap having first and second ends and arranged to extend around a portion of the wheel, said wheel configurable to operate in a first mode wherein the wheel is configured to freely rotate in response to movement of the primary strap around said portion of the wheel, said wheel further configurable to operate in a second mode wherein the wheel is prevented from rotating and holds the primary strap in a fixed position around said portion of the wheel; and first and second foot stirrups each coupled to the first and second ends, respectively, of the primary strap, each foot stirrup comprising: a non-rigid load strap forming a closed loop having an upper end and a lower end, said upper end coupled to one of the first or second ends of the primary strap; and a sole strap including first and second ends, each end of the sole strap coupled to the load strap at respective coupling points on opposite sides of the closed loop that comprises the load strap thereby forming a foot receiver opening comprising the sole strap and a load strap portion comprising the portion of the load strap between the coupling points and the lower end of the load strap, said foot receiver opening configured to: receive a human foot inserted toe-first therein such that a sole of the foot comes in contact with the sole strap, and the load strap portion of the foot receiver opening encloses an upper portion of the foot; and receive the human foot inserted heel-first therein such that the sole of the foot comes in contact with the sole strap, and the load strap portion of the foot receiver opening encloses an achilles tendon region of a heel of the foot.
 12. The suspension training system of claim 11, wherein each of the first and second ends of the sole strap forms a closed loop including the load strap disposed therein whereby the sole strap is moveably coupled to the load strap enabling the sole strap to slide along the load strap to vary the size of the foot receiver opening.
 13. The suspension training system of claim 12, wherein the closed loop at each of the first and second ends of the sole strap is configurable to open or close thereby enabling the sole strap to be detached from the load strap.
 14. The suspension training system of claim 11, wherein a length of the sole strap is adjustable.
 15. The suspension training system of claim 11, wherein at least one of the load strap and the sole strap includes a grip material disposed thereon to increase friction between the stirrup and the human foot disposed therein.
 16. The suspension training system of claim 11, wherein the portions of the load strap and the sole strap that form the foot receiver opening further include a compliant padding material positioned to come in contact with the human foot when inserted into the foot receiver opening.
 17. The suspension training system of claim 11, wherein the sole strap is comprised of a semi-rigid material.
 18. The suspension training system of claim 17, wherein the sole strap further comprises an arch cup molded from the semi-rigid material to substantially conform to a shape of an arch of the human foot.
 19. The suspension training system of claim 11 wherein the load strap is formed from a length of non-rigid material having a first and a second end, and wherein the upper end of the load strap includes a coupling loop configured to couple to one of the first or second ends of the primary strap, said coupling loop formed by coupling the first and second ends of the load strap to each other and to an opposite side of the load strap thereby simultaneously forming the coupling loop and the closed loop that comprises the load strap.
 20. The suspension training system of claim 19, wherein the non-rigid material comprises nylon webbing, and the first and second ends of the nylon webbing are coupled to one another and to the opposite side of the load strap by applying a bar tack stitch simultaneously through each. 